The United Nations has designated November 25 as the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign, lasts from November 25 to December 10, Human Rights Day, chosen to emphasize that violence against women is a violation of human rights. The theme for this year’s campaign set is “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Gender-Based Violence!” The UNiTE Campaign and UN Women offer suggestions to mark each day of the 16 Days of Activism.
Thursday, December 4: Mechanisms for the Advancement of Women
- Organize a public ceremony in your country and invite a Government representative to report back on initiatives to end violence against women and girls and the coordination mechanisms they have in place to achieve this.
- Invite civil society partners, media representatives, young people and relevant stakeholders. Ask them to discuss the national machinery to end violence against women and girls, their work in partnership on the issue, statistical information, and the way forward.
Prayer for the day:
God our strength, we pray today for all those involved in the public sphere who are advocating an end to violence against women. We ask you to help us in becoming more involved in our communities, for the issue of inequality and violence has gone on long enough. We pray that you will be with us, and guide us as we go out into the world. For you, oh God are our rock, and it is only through your love that this violence will end, and everlasting peace will become known. Amen.
prayer by Richard Aylor, intern from Princeton Theological Seminary